Abduction

Definition

Abduction in anatomy and physiology is the movement of a limb or other part away from the midline of the body or from another part. It is a key action in joints, enabling movements such as spreading the fingers or arms.

Related terms

Adduction: The movement of a limb toward the body's midline or bringing fingers together.

Flexion: A bending movement around a joint in a limb (such as a knee or elbow) that decreases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint.

Extension: An action that increases the angle between parts at a joint, straightening out the limb or body part